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Street Talk Newsletter

Beyond LGBT in the Workplace

by Senior Police Officer Gregory Abbink

When I came out to my department as transgender in 2014, I can only assume I had the same fears and apprehensions that so many, if not most, transgender individuals have when contemplating whether or not to “come out”. I wasn’t worried about whether or not my department would support me, because I knew without a doubt they would. I was more worried about how people would perceive me based upon what THEY knew about what it means to be transgender.

The reality is we may unconsciously respond to an individual with whom we are having an interaction based upon biases or preconceived ideas of what that person is like - stereotypes, if you will. Although it wasn’t always comfortable for me explaining details about my life, I looked at it as an opportunity to help inform and shape peoples’ ideas and experience with someone who is transgender. In fact, my department has encouraged me to develop training titled, “Interacting with Transgender Individuals” which I am honored to teach to each incoming cadet class. The topics covered in this course are:

Defining terminology related to the transgender community and explaining what ‘Transgender’ is

Offensive/Outdated terms

Respectful ways to address transgender/non-binary individuals, especially as it relates to law enforcement

Obstacles that transgender people face regarding discrimination in employment and medical care, including the recent ban on transgender individuals in the military, and the challenges with updating legal/government documents

Dispelling myths/misconceptions

Police leaders can have a tremendous impact on the culture within their departments. Agencies who encourage their officers to attend training or, better yet, spend time with someone who is transgender, can help to shape the ideas and attitudes towards people in this community, with whom they may have had very little interaction. The way our police leaders view the inherent value of respecting and understanding the amazing diversity present in our neighborhoods will inevitably set the tone for their employees. If officers have more information about how to interact with transgender individuals and some of the issues that may be exclusive to the transgender community, the better they can provide assistance. When people feel they are respected by the police, the more likely they are to turn to the police for help, whether they are a victim or to provide valuable information to help officers solve crimes.

Equipping employees with various resources, such as information about local support groups which they may be able to refer to someone, could be another tool to assist officers in providing help to those who may need it. Another great resource for officers is having an LGBTQ liaison in the department. The Austin Police Department has formed The Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers’ Association (LGPOA) which was established not only to support its own LGBTQ members and allies, but to provide service, education, and protection to the community as well. An important role that any police department can play in strengthening ties with the community is to be visible at different events and to participate in public activities. This way residents can see that their police officers are interested in learning about various cultures and customs and will be excited to see the effort the agency is making to engage with them and better understand their life experiences.

As police officers, we take an oath to uphold the law, to serve our communities; safeguard life and property; protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder, and to respect the constitutional rights of all persons to liberty, equality, and justice. This oath is something we cannot and must not take lightly! If law enforcement professionals around the country desire to continue to strengthen trust and build bridges with the various communities, especially with marginalized communities, they will benefit greatly from gaining a better understanding of them. Being mindful of what we say and how we treat people, regardless of our differences, is the key to building lasting relationships and encourages respectful, collaborative engagement with the people we serve.

Senior Police Officer Gregory Abbink has served with the Austin TX Police Department for over 15 years, and is currently a Continuing Education Instructor at its Training Academy.